Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner

It is a pleasure being here tonight at the magnificent Greenbrier
Hotel with all of you — the men and women who make the Greenbrier Valley
such a vibrant and eclectic community.

The Greenbrier Resort is a true gem, not only for West Virginia but the entire nation.

You know, in the back of my mind, when I returned to West Virginia
University, I was hoping to get a trip to the Greenbrier. Mission
accomplished on my part. I also need to find out where the Bunker is
because I may need somewhere to hide from time to time.

I am thrilled to see many friends here, both new and old. And I am
grateful for the Chamber asking me to be part of this annual dinner.

It is amazing to look around and see all the talented people here
tonight — individuals representing banks, the arts community, law firms,
the media, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, the
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, the Greenbrier itself, and so many
others.

Better yet, I feel more at home when I see the sea of West Virginia
University alumni in the crowd. People like Jeff and Christy
Clemons-Rodgers, and Jim and Sharon Rowe.

It is no wonder this place — like the entire state of West Virginia — has always had a home in my heart.

It has been two months since I rejoined West Virginia University,
and not even two weeks since officially becoming the permanent
president. The calendar does not deceive. It has, indeed, been an
exhilarating ride. I have an immense learning curve and feel as if I
have been drinking from a fire hose.

The institution I left in 1985 was much different from the one I
serve today. One of the advantages of having a 1985 and then a 2014
snapshot is that I have not been part of the evolution of the
institution during that time period. I can, therefore, judge it from two
very distinct points of view.

West Virginia University was a good university during my first
tenure but I can honestly say that from 1985 to 2014, it has transformed
itself from a good university into an excellent university.

We have always had a dedicated faculty, hard-working staff, and
enthusiastic student body. Yet, when I first left Morgantown, the
University struggled to identify how it could best play a role of
leadership within the state and on the national stage.

I can now say, unequivocally, that it has discovered its voice, its
place, and its reason. And it has done so without abandoning its
dedication to the people of West Virginia and West Virginia’s future.

That is one of the reasons why I came back. There was a culmination
of factors that led me to stay on full-time. Probably the biggest
contributor was the warmth of the people. And as I touched upon, I
quickly realized there was no institution I have ever served that had
quite the possibility of impact on the life, quality, and opportunities
for its people.

Governor Caperton has been a friend of mine for 35 years. We
recently spent some time talking and I asked him why he moved back to
West Virginia. He said he felt he had one last opportunity to really
make a difference, and he wanted to make that difference here. I feel
the exact same way.

The changes at West Virginia University in 30 years are highly
visible. Enrollment has grown. Academic offerings have proliferated.
Research funding and private giving have skyrocketed. The campus has
sprouted everything from crime scene houses to a zip line.

It all ties back to that unwavering devotion to our people and the future.

First and foremost, West Virginia University is the quintessential
land-grant institution. It is a powerful force in this state through its
Extension Service, its focus on youth and 4-H, and its increasing
commitment to the vitality of both rural and urban areas.

We have Extension offices in each of the 55 counties, including a fantastic one right here in Greenbrier County.

But, we are not truly the institution we should be unless we believe
that each individual in this state is part of our responsibility and,
in turn, that we convince the people of this state, in their hearts and
minds, that our institution is the most important force for change in
their lives. And we should be!

We generate ideas. We train people who teach our students, who build
our bridges, who give us healthcare. We teach people who make great
music, write novels, study our water, and ensure we utilize energy
responsibly.

The value added of a university devoted to the well-being of the
state is among the most important callings of a university, particularly
one designated by its mission as a land-grant university.

And I see many parallels between what we do as a university and what you do here in your community.

I understand it is the Chamber’s mission to support and promote
local businesses, to sustain a positive business environment, and to
preserve the quality of life for businesses and residents.

Each month, the Chamber provides power lunches and educational
workshops. I am most impressed that the Chamber organizes an interactive
Career Day for high school sophomores to engage them into thinking
about productive careers.

Your goals mirror ours at West Virginia University. And like the
University, your impact is not confined within any measurable boundary.
Your impact stretches beyond the county.

You even play a hand in advancing our own mission. Here is one
example: A couple of years ago, the Greenbrier Resort gave us an unusual
donation that we do not handle every day. It was not cash, stock, or
land, but 1,000 badges with a face value of $495 each for the Greenbrier
Classic. As we know, the Greenbrier Classic is much more than a golf
tournament. It is an entertainment spectacle and a major economic
booster for the community and the state of West Virginia. As long as you
keep me off the green, it will stay that way.

Anyway, the Greenbrier Classic badges were made available to the
general public through outright purchases, drawings, raffles, and
auctions with the proceeds benefiting various University programs. The
Extension Service used it to fund scholarships in all 55 counties for
state and county summer 4-H camps. The Mountaineer Athletic Club, the
Sports Management Program, and the Alumni Association used the proceeds
for their respective scholarship programs.

It is this type of interplay and collaboration that freshens and
vitalizes our well-being. It is a top priority of mine to reestablish
those close connections with our communities and residents throughout
all 55 counties.

We have come this far by working together for a common good. But I know we can go further.

And working together — a world-class research university and a
thriving community like right here in Greenbrier County — we can continue
to leverage our tremendous force, energy, vitality, innovation, and
creativity as a catalyst for progress.

West Virginia University is a dominant economic driver in the state,
returning $40 into the economy for every dollar the state invests. That
is why it is essential to build upon our partnerships with local
communities.

As I have stated many times since I returned, my biggest goal as
president is assuring that 1.8 million West Virginians believe in their
hearts and minds that West Virginia University is their University.

West Virginians are counting on us.

But we cannot do this alone. We need the help of all of those who
care as much about the future of West Virginia, like the people sitting
in this room this evening.

Thank you for welcoming me home to West Virginia. I look forward to working with all of you.

Now, before I go lose all my money in the casino, I will gladly take any questions.